TUNG CHEE-HWA, HONG KONG'S FIRST LEADER UNDER CHINESE RULE, DIES AT 89

"For the first time in history, we, the people of Hong Kong, will be master of our own destiny." On July 1, 1997, Tung Chee-hwa delivered his first speech as chief executive of the territory, following its handover from the United Kingdom to China.

"The Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to preserving the Hong Kong way of life, maintaining Hong Kong's ​free and open economic system, upholding the rule of law, and building a more democratic society," he said.

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